Page 3534 - Week 11 - Thursday, 24 September 2015
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The Canberra Region Cancer Centre is a world-class healthcare facility that brings together cancer treatment and related services in one purpose-built facility. The centre accommodates medical oncology including chemotherapy, clinical haematology and immunology, and specialist ambulatory services including outpatient clinics and day therapy. The service provides a comprehensive range of screening, assessment, diagnostic, treatment and palliative care services to the metropolitan population of the ACT and patients within the surrounding region of New South Wales. The service is not limited to providing cancer care, encompassing the departments of haematology and immunology as well as medical oncology, radiation oncology and the services of BreastScreen ACT.
Duffy House is the facility that provides accommodation for interstate cancer services patients and their carers. It was opened on 10 September 2012 and is less than 10 kilometres from Canberra Hospital. Duffy offers a relaxed environment in a quiet suburban street away from the hustle and bustle of a busy hospital campus.
In New South Wales outpatient services are delivered through outreach clinics in Goulburn, Young, Moruya, Cooma and Bega. The clinics are staffed by fully qualified oncology nurses who can administer chemotherapy and provide support to patients undergoing treatments. Telehealth consultations with the oncologists are also available in some clinics.
The Capital Region Cancer Service, CRCS, was formed in 2004 as part of a dedicated cancer service to the population of the ACT and surrounding New South Wales region.
Dealing with the practical and emotional impact of cancer is virtually as important as physical care, and in the ACT it is supported by social workers and psychologists. These professionals provide information, access to entitlements, practical support and counselling to assist cancer patients, their families and carers experiencing distress, depression or anxiety. This service is available through the consultation and treatment of a cancer diagnosis and discharge from hospital and includes support in the adjustment to or management of the condition or any re-occurrence. Support is also available for grief and loss with respect to changes in health status and cancer-related bereavement or death. Patients, their families and carers can be seen at CRCC or in the community.
Other important services include cancer nurse care coordinators who provide a pivotal link in support, education and coordination for patients moving between services and across community sectors. Dieticians supply individual nutritional advice and general information on diet and cancer. Physiotherapists work to help keep patients moving. Services include assessments and programs, mobility retraining and fall prevention strategies. And speech therapists work with the patients who in particular have had head and neck cancers.
Childhood and adolescent cancer is uncommon and treatment is complex, and young adults also tend to have relatively uncommon cancers and require complex care. A sufficient case load does not exist in Canberra for a high quality paediatric cancer service locally, so children with cancer—that is, children aged 14 or younger—are referred to Sydney for their primary treatment so that they can get the best possible care.
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